What is Vehicle to Everything (V2X)?

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is communication between a vehicle and any entity that may affect, or may be affected by, the vehicle.

The categories that comprise V2X are V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle), V2I (vehicle-to-infrastructure), V2P (vehicle-to-pedestrian), and V2N (vehicle-to-network). Together, they facilitate the functioning of connected and autonomous vehicles.

Here are some key aspects about how V2X technology can be used to improve traffic efficiency and reinforce road safety.

• Collision avoidance - V2V communication, specifically, allows vehicles to communicate with each other and exchange crucial information about speed, position, and acceleration. This is used to avoid potential collisions and can help drivers take necessary action.
• Emergency Services - V2X technology is used to enhance emergency aid, and can be used to speed up response at the site of an accident or injury. Real-time information about the same is conveyed to nearby vehicles, allowing them to take appropriate action, such as clear the path for the arrival of ambulances.
• Pedestrian Safety - V2P communication caters to the needs and safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and can be leveraged to provide drivers information about the pedestrian density of an area. This is imperative in minimizing the injury rate of vulnerable road users.
• Traffic Efficiency - The effective maintenance of traffic flow can be made an individual responsbility through V2X. Drivers receive relevant data about traffic conditions such as weather, congestion levels, peak demand figures, etc. and can adjust their speed levels to improve traffic flow.
• Infrastructure Integration - V2I technology allows vehicles to connect with traffic infrastructure such as traffic signals and signage, thereby improving awareness of real-time road conditions.